The Perspective of Administrators of Intellectual Disability Organizations on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author ORCID Identifier
M. Courtney Hughes: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8699-5701
Jennifer A. Gray: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9586-2444
Jinsook Kim: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8616-1988
Publication Title
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
ISSN
17446295
E-ISSN
17446309
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Objective: To learn about the challenges, policies, and needed resources to serve people with intellectual disability and protect staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the perspective of intellectual disability service providers. Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 16 intellectual disability organization administrators throughout Illinois, USA from November 2020 through February 2021. We coded and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged: (1) COVID-19 caused considerable challenges to people with intellectual disability and staff and service providers, (2) intellectual disability organizations reinvented service provisions in response to COVID-19 challenges, and (3) the interrelatedness of intellectual disability organizations, public policies, and community entities became evident. Conclusions: Exhibiting responsiveness to needs and developing innovative solutions were strategies championed by intellectual disability organizations during the pandemic. Fostering collaboration with community entities may assist these organizations in navigating pandemic challenges and developing resilient infrastructure for future environmental threats.
Publication Date
1-1-2022
DOI
10.1177/17446295211062400
Keywords
COVID-19, developmental disability, learning disability, pandemic, support staff
Recommended Citation
Hughes, M. C., Gray, J. A., & Kim, J. (2022). The Perspective of Administrators of Intellectual Disability Organizations on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295211062400
Original Citation
Hughes, M. C., Gray, J. A., & Kim, J. (2022). The Perspective of Administrators of Intellectual Disability Organizations on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295211062400
Department
School of Health Studies
